Preparing Cages for hatchlings. First time and totally lost. Help?

[Seru1]

Okay, so I found the hatchlings...And well now I need to build there cages so they are ready for them to get here. Any tips to give a newbie? I'm not even really sure where to start. I'm pretty scared and intimidated because I wanna keep the new family members healthy, and I've never done something this in depth before.

I know I want three hatchlings. Rhino Rat, Mandarin Rat, And Thai Red Mountain Rat.

Each need 72-85 during the day, but the thai red mountain seems to need a significant drop at night from what I read 64-72.

They seem to need a high humidity. Regular misting.

I am thinking about using 3 Vision cages. With a large water dish in each. Cyphrus mulch and maybe some moss. Maybe underheating with panels? With a taller cage for the Rhino so she can climb.

Any tips? On Temperature and humidity maintenance. Good cleaning for such a humid cage? How do I know how humid is to humid. That can cause health problems right? Even if they are basic tips I would welcome them. Please treat me like an idiot I don't know where to start.

[Seru1]

Okay I am sorry to double post but I think I am a little better organized and I would like to get some opinions.

Set up I am pondering.

Vision Cage Model#222 28 wide - 24 deep- 24 tall. Cyphrus mulch, large water dish, one humid hide with wet sphagum moss. Misted daily. I am thinking about underheating the cage so I can create the humidity and leave some arboreal perches for cooling. though I don't know what to use for perches. Hopefully something to provide a cool hide thats easy to disinfect and clean.

I'm not sure of the best way to underheat. Or even the best products to get. I looked around a few local stores today, but many said not to use with plastic or not to set on tables that aren't specifically reptile tables. I know no matter what I'll need a thermostat.

90% humidity still seems to high. But I suppose I can't argue. I'm just worried it may cause poor health.


Any tips on underheating or perches? Any criticisms of this proposed setup.

Oh and one last question. UV lights. How important are they? Do I need one for each cage if there will be ambient sun behind the cages? The cages have a rear vent thats also a spot for a UV light. But I almost thing I'd rather have the vent free to you know...vent.

Anyway sorry for the text wall. Any help, comments, etc would be much appreciated!

[Seru1]

Okay new tactic


1) Has anyone used vision cages before? How Secure are they? is 28 wide big enough for snake who gets max 4 to 5 feet? Any other Cage reccomendations? It takes awhile to ship these and I am impatient.


2) Does anyone else belly heat? I am thinking about doing this so I can create Humidity, and because I am worried lights pose a fire hazard being left on 24/7. Any advice? Any brand of belly heater you use? I was thinking about thew pads at RB


3) Good sturdy Tables to use belly heat on? These will be table just for snakes but as previously mentioned I am worried about fire hazards. Fading doesn't bother me but safety does.


4) Finally for you cat owners, Any tips on keeping your furry felines off the tops of the snake cages? They are persistent buggers and I forsee great battles to come. I don't want them knocking over cages.


Please answer if you can. I know I've been asking alot, and I'm sorry. But I really really really need some advice. So please if you can answer any of these I'd be extremely greatful.

[maria1232]

i can answer about the cat =] i put double sided tape on top of the tubs of my BP and when my cat jumps his paws get sticky so he jumps back down, after 2-3 days he just never jumped again, or try to put them high somwhere he can't jump into...i have one on top of a bookshelf that he can't reach